Daniela
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta! I'm from Brazil and I absolutely loved Salt to the Sea. I would like to know how was it like to write about the war by a perspective of four different refugees and people fleeing to survive and also a German whi believed in Hitler's ideology and which one was the most difficult?
Ruta Sepetys
Hello Daniela!
I hope all is well in Brazil. Thank you for reading "Salt to the Sea."
In terms of the different perspectives - when I was researching the novel I was reminded of how many regions and countries were affected and suffered during the evacuation. When I interviewed people from those different countries, I realized that every human being views history through their own cultural lens so I created characters who would give voice to a particular regional experience and allow the reader to look through their "lens."
The most difficult character to create was Emilia. She is a nuanced character and I wanted to show her depth - even as a young girl.
Thanks for asking!
I hope all is well in Brazil. Thank you for reading "Salt to the Sea."
In terms of the different perspectives - when I was researching the novel I was reminded of how many regions and countries were affected and suffered during the evacuation. When I interviewed people from those different countries, I realized that every human being views history through their own cultural lens so I created characters who would give voice to a particular regional experience and allow the reader to look through their "lens."
The most difficult character to create was Emilia. She is a nuanced character and I wanted to show her depth - even as a young girl.
Thanks for asking!
More Answered Questions
Sharon Riehemann
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Ruta, I absolutely loved Between the shades of gray, I am not a big reader but a friend of mine John Vanagas who's Latvian family almost was taken as well told me to read it. After I read the book I passed it along to many girlfriends who passed it on their book clubs etc, and they all loved it too. I just wanted to tell you how much I and many other women and men loved Between the shades of Gray. thanks
Tara
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Reading Between Shades of Gray & love it, especially after visiting Lithuania. You do a beautiful job of weaving in her flashbacks in a relevant & poignant way. 2 questions: 1) Is a movie happening & when? 2) Would you consider coming to Portsmouth, NH? I know we'd love to host you for a "Writers on Stage" event at The Music Hall and/or a book signing at RiverRun. Would love to hear you share your story live. Thanks!
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